It’s not every day that a county gets called an “outlier” — in a good way, at least. But that’s exactly what the Common Sense Institute had to say about Weld County in their April 2025 report. While much of Colorado (and a good chunk of the country) is seeing population slowdowns or outright declines, Weld County is bucking the trend. We’re not just adding people — we’re growing families, jobs, and opportunities.
As someone who’s called Weld County home my whole life, I can’t say I’m surprised. Folks here have always believed in planting roots, raising families, and building something they can pass on to the next generation.
So, what did the report actually find — and what does it mean for the people who call Weld County home?
A Young, Growing Community
Let’s start with the basics. Weld County is growing faster than anywhere else along the Front Range. Between 2023 and 2024, more than 9,000 new residents joined us. Almost half of that growth came from new births — 4,815 babies born right here. That’s not just growth on paper. That’s families choosing to build their lives here.
More than a quarter of our population is under 18. For comparison, Denver and Boulder are closer to 17%. We’re a younger county, which means our schools, churches, ball fields, and neighborhoods are full of life and promise.
It also means local businesses aren’t scrambling as much to find workers. Those kids grow up, get educated, and fill jobs in our strong industries.
Jobs, Opportunity, and Practical Growth
When it comes to jobs, the report confirms what most of us already know: our economy works because we do.
Agriculture has always been at the heart of Weld County. We’re the top agricultural county east of the Rockies, and over 20% of our farms earn more than $100,000 a year. These aren’t relics of the past — they’re modern farms feeding the country.
And we don’t just stop at farming. Weld County leads Colorado in energy production, handling 83% of the state’s crude oil and 56% of its natural gas. At the same time, Weld County leads the state in renewable energy production, with companies like Vestas and Sphere Renewables calling Weld home. We’re managing to honor tradition while also embracing innovation — not an easy balance.
Unlike some places that rack up debt chasing big dreams, Weld County is debt-free and doesn’t have a countywide sales tax. That’s not just a political soundbite. It’s responsible leadership and respect for taxpayers.
Our median household income is now $93,287 — almost 20% higher than it was in 2010. Sure, this isn’t Wall Street, big banker money. It’s what people earn working in the fields, offices, shops, and job sites around here.
Affordable Living That Still Exists
Let’s talk housing — because, honestly, that’s where many communities are struggling the most.
While home prices in Denver and Boulder have gone through the roof, Weld County’s are about 18% lower than Denver’s and more than 50% lower than Boulder’s. That’s no accident. We’ve worked to keep growth steady and sustainable, making sure housing keeps up with demand without pricing people out.
Young families can still afford a first home. Retirees can downsize without having to leave the community. That’s getting harder to find in 2025.
Building for the Future Without Losing Ourselves
Growth is happening, no doubt. But we’re not just letting it happen — we’re guiding it.
Look at the Cascadia project in Greeley. It’s a $1.1 billion redevelopment that will bring an entertainment district, a minor league hockey arena, an indoor water park, housing, and more. Some folks worry projects like this might change the character of Weld County, and I get it.
But Cascadia also helps address our housing gap — somewhere between 3,500 and 10,000 units — and creates jobs. More importantly, it reflects something Weld County has always done well: growing while staying true to who we are.
Our kids deserve a future here. They shouldn’t have to leave to find work, housing, or a community that feels like home.
Why Weld? Why Now?
So why is Weld County growing while others are shrinking?
I think it’s pretty simple. We still believe in the American dream — not as a political slogan, but as a way of life. Hard work, family, faith, and community still mean something here.
We invest in our people. We keep government lean. We respect both businesses and workers. And when challenges come, we don’t wait around for someone else to fix them.
Weld County: Grow Your Dream
If you’re looking for a place to raise a family, start a business, or just be part of a community that makes sense, take a look at Weld County.
We’re proud of who we are and where we’re headed.
I’ll continue to work with my fellow commissioners and the 32 municipalities in Weld County to make sure we implement the right policies and offer the right incentives to make sure the Weld County is the place live, work, and raise your family. I am 100% driven by doing all that I can to make sure that Weld County is were you can Grow Your Dream.
And if you already live here — thank you. You’re the reason Weld County isn’t just growing in numbers, but growing stronger.
Sources:
- Common Sense Institute: Weld County in Context: An Outlier Within Colorado
- Weld County Government: Small Business Incentive Program
- U.S. Census Bureau: QuickFacts for Weld County, Colorado
- Colorado Department of Local Affairs: Census Bureau 2023 County Population Estimates
